You Docs: Prenatal vitamins are good for the future father, too

Prenatal vitamins aren't just for pregnant women anymore. As we wrote in "YOU: Having a Baby," and you can be sure everyone will now tell you: "If you're of childbearing age -- that is, between 12 and 50 -- and there's a chance you'll ever be pregnant anytime in the future (10 years or 10 months from now), we YOU Docs want you to start taking prenatal vitamins with the DHA form of omega-3s." NOW!!!

Why? Taking prenatal vitamins three months before getting pregnant and during pregnancy cuts your chances of having a child with autism or an autism spectrum disorder by 40 percent, according to a new study in the July 2011 issue of Epidemiology journal.

This is wonderful news, because autism-related disorders are increasing quickly, although no one knows exactly what's causing them. Why are DHA omega-3s so important? They're critical to both the fetus' rapidly developing brain and your own healthy brain functioning. Here's how to help protect your future family now:

--Women, say yes to taking prenatal vitamins with 300 mg to 600 mg of DHA omega-3s -- ideally from childbearing age on, but at least three months before there's even a chance you'll get pregnant.

--Guys, start on a multivitamin with DHA early -- long before you begin trying for a mini-you. The better your health, the better it is for your offspring.

The YOU Docs, Mehmet Oz and Mike Roizen, are authors of "YOU: On a Diet." Want more? See "The Dr. Oz Show" on TV (weekdays at 3 p.m., KATU/2). To submit questions, go to www.RealAge.com